PR is best for Fiji

Posted
on May 26, 2008

The long term solution for Fiji lies neither in communal seats nor in a
one vote, one value electoral system but in proportional representation
that provides the most appropriate safeguards for minorities, says Bau
high chief Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.

Speaking
at the Fijian Teachers Association AGM, Ratu Joni said in the present
highly-charged political environment, there has been considerable
debate about the electoral system and governance generally.

He
said both the Interim regime and the National Council For Building A
Better Fiji have provoked the ire of certain sections of Fijian opinion
by advocating a one vote, one value electoral system.

“Fijian
protagonists have interpreted this as an attack on indigenous identity
and the right to have their representatives elected on their own
electoral rolls.

“Articles 3 and 4 of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples guarantee the right of
self determination.

“Article 5 assumes the right to maintain
and strengthen their distinct political institutions. Those views are
held passionately and sincerely,” the ousted vice president said.

But he added that, in our present circumstances the rationale underpinning the Declaration does not equate.

He
said if one accepts that the principle of self-determination enables
indigenous people to govern themselves, the dynamic must necessarily
change where they form a majority.

The paramountcy of Fijian
interests as a protective principle (as stated in the Compact of the
present Constitution) more aptly captures the spirit of the
Declaration, he said.

“As opposed to the paramountcy claimed in
the 1990 Constitution. In the present situation, Fijians are able to
exercise predominance over other communities as well.

“So the
insistence of having separate electoral rolls and representatives
becomes less obvious. The irony is that in this different setting, it
is the minority communities who then need to be protected.”